GANGTOK, Feb. 27 -- Accusing the ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) of orchestrating attacks on its members, the opposition Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) has petitioned the election commission to invoke President's Rule in the state prior to the Lok Sabha and assembly elections.

With the assembly elections in Sikkim slated to coincide with the Lok Sabha polls, expected sometime in April-May, SDF leader and former chief minister Pawan Chamling penned a memorandum to the chief election commissioner.

In the letter, Chamling alleged that SKM supporters, backed by the Sikkim government, have resorted to brutal assaults on SDF workers.

Highlighting that SDF members are being hindered from engaging with voters ahead of the elections due to...